Billy K. Smith was born in Chicago IL on January 15, 1928 to parents Robert and Cora Lee Smith.  His siblings preceded him in death, his brother Robert a.k.a. Bobby, and 2 sisters, Raynese Stevens and Carolyn Page.

Billy was educated at James McCosh Elementary and attended Englewood High School.  He loved to play sports including baseball and even joined a neighborhood group called “The Crusaders”.  They played softball many summers and he even played semi- pro football.

One day, one of his best friends, Perry Bryant invited him along to a party out in Altgeld Gardens, and there, he noticed a gorgeous young lady in a red dress, her name, Clintie Mae Franklin.  At first Clintie didn’t care for Billy, because he ran with some tough guys and she was a “ church girl”!  But they soon started dating, and many times Billy would come to her church with some of his friends, sit in back of the church and laugh a lot. She said it embarrassed her because she was the Director of the Choir and they were distracting.  However, in time they married on June 17, 1951.  To this union were born 4 children, Billy K Jr, Steven, Cheryl Fischer, (deceased) (Harold) and Roxanne Franklin (Ray).  Grandchildren, Rachel Smith, Raven Wynter, Steven Smith Jr, Aubrey Smith, Gerrick Smith, Raymond Franklin III (Kimyetta) and Byron Smith.  Great grandchild, Nova Mae.

He worked his first few years at the United States Steel Mill, but later would work as a Welder at Wednagel Co for over 30 years. He retired in the late 80’s from a small family -owned Metal and Fabricating Co located near his home. He helped in construction of many Chicago and Indiana steel bridges.

In 1959, Clintie started studying the Bible and soon after was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  She would leave Bible literature lying around the house, so Billy would sneak and read it.  He became interested, especially when he found out that she would never celebrate Christmas or any other holiday again. He said that really made him more interested! Without ever having a Bible study, he was baptized in 1960.

Billy and Clintie raised their children as Witnesses, having weekly family Bible study and weekend field service.   He used to wake his kids up on Saturdays to the old tune by the group The Esquires called “Get on Up”!  So what did they do, they got up!!!  He loved taking summer vacations and spending time with his family out of town or taking them on picnics, to museums, zoos and the movies.  He was quick witted, loved to play games with his family and kept Clintie and the children laughing!  Truly fun days together!

He had the privilege to witness his own father study the Bible and be baptized as a Witness in the early 70’s before his death in1976.

The family was sent over the years, by various Circuit Overseers, to several congregations, Woodlawn, Englewood, Forrestville, Hyde Park, Stony Island and finally Jackson Park where they attended faithfully until their deaths.   Billy was well-known and loved to go out to give talks at various congregations throughout the city and suburbs.  He served as Assistant Congregation servant before the elder arrangement began and then served as Presiding elder and Coordinator, and even served as Assembly Overseer of Circuit #10.  He and Clintie also served as full-time pioneers (ministers) for many years. Clintie started in the early 1980’s and Billy joined her after his retirement in the early 90’s.  They loved pioneering together and encouraged many in their congregation to pioneer with them. Billy could be seen many early mornings, winter, spring, summer and fall engaging in street witnessing, walking down 71st, 76th streets, over east and also walking down 79th street along with numerous brothers. He aided many individuals to baptism along with Clintie.

Billy and Clintie loved to entertain in their home and many friends and family enjoyed drinking his delicious “homemade” wine, which he was known for.  He also loved his jazz and had quite a large collection including some of the jazz greats, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Earl Stanley Gardner, Wardell Gray, Richard “Groove” Holmes and the newer greats like Norman Brown, Earl Klugh, Grover Washington, Kim Waters and more.  He could sit and listen to them along with his wife and family for hours while sipping his wine.  We are looking forward to doing more of that with them in the paradise. 

He used to love to say to his family, before they would leave out of the door, “May Jehovah be with you”!

Billy is preceded in death by Clintie in 2021, his loving wife of 70 years.  This year, his health began to deteriorate and on Tuesday, September 24th, he fell peacefully asleep in death, surrounded by his family.   We know that he and Clintie and millions more are asleep and safe in Jehovah’s perfect memory.

He leaves behind a legacy of faithful service for his children and all to follow.  He also leaves a brother-in-law, Jimmy Franklin, (Rae), sisters in law, Ida  Hyland ( Bryan) and Dorothy Franklin , and many nieces, nephews, and a very large spriitual  family and friends that will truly miss him. 

We’ll see you soon Pop!

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Memorial Services for B.K. Smith, Sr.

Saturday, October 26, 2024 3 p.m.

 Song - #142 ….Holding Fast to Our Hope

Prayer …………………….Lloyd Ramsey

Memorial Video presentation

Reading of Obituary..James Simpson

Memorial Discourse……Floyd Branch

Interview………………….Dwayne Jones

 Song - #143 ….Keep Working, Watching, and Waiting

Prayer ………………………….Steve Holt

The Smith/Franklin Families want to acknowledge and thank everyone for all of the cards, letters, texts, phone calls, gifts, and prayers!  We also thank our friends that traveled great distances to support us and those on Zoom as well. And we want to give a special thanks to all who helped to make this day go as smoothly as possible!

Thank you all very much!  We love you!